2001 has hopefully been a year to take stock after the excitement of 2000 and to look ahead to a year of celebrations in 2002.

Association Meetings

Each District hosted the Association during the year. At the end of February ninety two of us met at the Royal Stuart Hotel in Derby for the Annual Dinner, Steve Coleman was our guest speaker and afterwards we were entertained by Peter Barlow singing Tom Lehrer songs. The end of the evening gave us the biggest shock - as it had snowed. The AGM in April took us into the Peak District; because of the Foot and Mouth crisis we moved the service, tea and meeting to Youlgreave, earlier ringing had taken place at Bakewell. Mr Lawrence Gascoyne of Chesterfield was elected an honorary Life Member. The Summer Meeting was held at Sawley. Earlier in the afternoon Attenborough bells had been available and it was good to see for the first time in several years, all 4 Districts entering teams in the 8 bell contest which was held at West Hallam. The October meeting was held at Eckington with ringing also at Beighton. The General Committee met three times during the year in Matlock.

Striking Contests

At this year's Horsley Cup final 7 teams qualified with Darley Dale beating the Derby Cathedral band by the narrowest of margins. The Arthur Ashby Cup had 5 teams qualifying with Overseal winning. Thanks to Clarke Walters and Cheryl Hamby for their hard work in judging both contests. Robert Marchbank had the task of judging the Inter-District 8 bell contest. This year the Derby District reversed its fortunes over the Peak District with Ilkeston third and Chesterfield last. A band from Melbourne entered the National 12 bell heats but unfortunately did not qualify for the finals.

Obituary

On a sad note Rita Hill from New Mills; George Pickwell from Belper and Basil Haines from Etwall died during the year all had been regular supporters of their towers. Just before Christmas Clive Longden from Ashover also passed away: he had been one of the Association's Trustees. During the year Charles Grief also died and although not a ringer he supported his wife Mary and attended the Annual Dinner. May their souls rest in peace, and to their families and friends we offer our deepest sympathy.

Finally

Congratulations to Michael Mallender of Derby Cathedral and one of our Trustees. He was appointed to be one of the first Lay Canons at the Cathedral mainly in recognition of his work over the years as Chapter Clerk there. To all incumbents and tower captains thank you for making the Association welcome during the year when we rang your bells, 2002 promises to be another busy year.